Government Doesn't Tolerate Land Opening By Burning Forests

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Budi Gunawan ensured that his staff would take firm action against parties who deliberately cleared land by burning forests.

"According to President Prabowo Subianto's firm direction, the government has taken a clear stance that there is no tolerance for forest fires as a way to clear land," said Budi Gunawan, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 4.

According to the man who is familiarly called BG, the government understands that the community or corporations need land for their business needs.

On the other hand, the government does not justify the method of burning land to clear land because it will have an impact on public health.

"Therefore, the President gives full support for land clearing using high-tech and environmentally friendly modern tools," said BG.

BG explained that President Prabowo Subianto had instructed the government to provide alternatives to modern technology for people and companies who want to clear land. This program includes the provision of heavy equipment, environmentally friendly land clearing technology, and technical assistance from the relevant ministries

BG continued, this technology assistance program will be launched in stages in areas prone to forest and land fires (karhutla), especially in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.

The government, he continued, will also provide assistance to farmers and business actors regarding the sustainable land clearing method.

With this effort, BG hopes that the use of the forest burning method can be reduced by companies or individuals.

BG also did not forget to appreciate the Karhutla Coordination Decree which has succeeded in drastically reducing the number of forest and land fires. Thanks to the synergy across ministries and institutions, the hotspots are currently falling significantly compared to 2024.

This success is the result of the hard work of a joint team from BNPB, Ministry of Forestry, TNI, Polri, BMKG, and all elements that are members of the Desk Karhutla. Solid coordination and quick response are the keys to this success," concluded BG.